Smart device with integrated conditional lighting

ABSTRACT

Various arrangements of smart devices and systems are presented. Such smart devices and systems may include a wireless interface, a light sensor that detects an ambient brightness level of an ambient environment of the smart device, a motion sensor that detects motion of a user in the ambient environment of the smart device, a light that is capable of outputting light into the ambient environment of the smart device, and a processing system. The processing system may cause the light to illuminate based on: the message indicating that the lighting feature has been activated; the ambient brightness level being below the threshold brightness value; and the user moving in the ambient environment of the smart device or system.

CROSS REFERENCES

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 15/448,733, filed Mar. 3, 2017, entitled “Smart Device withIntegrated Conditional Lighting,” which is a continuation of U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/508,302, filed Oct. 7, 2014,entitled “Smart Home Device with Integrated Conditional Lighting,” nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,646,480, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/887,969, filed Oct. 7, 2013 entitled “User-FriendlyDetection Unit,” and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/887,963, filed Oct. 7, 2013, entitled “Hazard Detection in aSmart-Sensored Home,” which are each hereby incorporated by referencefor all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Hazard detectors use sensors to detect substances in the air that may beharmful or that may indicate the development of a hazardous situation.For example, carbon monoxide (CO) and radon gas are substances that canbe harmful to humans and animals if exposed to high amounts. However,these substances are difficult to detect with the human senses becausethey are colorless, odorless, and tasteless. A hazard detector candetect the presence of these substances and prevent the harmful effectsof exposure by alarming to notify a user. In other instances, asubstance such as smoke, while not necessarily harmful in and of itself,can indicate the development of a hazardous situation, such as fire. Anearly alarm of the presence of such a substance can prevent thehazardous situation from developing or minimize the harmful effects ofthe situation. Interconnected hazard detectors include detectors thatare connected to a network, enabling communication between the detectorsor with a central control unit. This provides several advantages overstandalone detectors, including the ability to activate multiple alarmswhen a single detector is triggered. Hazard detectors may be certifiedunder standards defined by governing bodies and/or by companies thatperform safety testing, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Forexample, certain UL standards define thresholds for when smoke detectorsand CO detectors should sound an alarm. Certain UL standards also definethe required characteristics of the alarm, such as powering requirementsand the volume, pitch, and pattern of the alarming sound.

FIELD

This patent specification relates to systems, devices, methods, andrelated computer program products for smart buildings including thesmart home. More particularly, this patent specification relates todetection units, such as hazard detection units (e.g., smoke detectors.carbon monoxide sensors, etc.) or other monitoring devices, that areuseful in smart building and smart home environments.

SUMMARY

Various methods, systems, devices, apparatuses, and computer-readablemediums are presented. Such embodiments may involve a hazard detectorthat has an on-board light. The light may be activated based on a userbeing present in the vicinity of the hazard detector and the brightnesslevel in the ambient environment being less than a threshold level.Other factors, such as a battery charge level and whether a hazard hasbeen detected may be considered when determining whether the lightshould be illuminated. The light may serve multiple purposes, one ofwhich being to output light when certain conditions are realized.

In some embodiments, a hazard detector is presented. The hazard detectormay include a hazard sensor that detects the presence of a hazardouscondition in an ambient environment of the hazard detector, The hazarddetector may include a light sensor that detects an ambient brightnesslevel of the ambient environment of the hazard detector. The hazarddetector may include a motion sensor that detects motion of a user inthe ambient environment of the hazard detector. The hazard detector mayinclude a light that is capable of outputting light into the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector. The hazard detector may include aprocessing system, the processing system being in communication with thehazard sensor, the motion sensor, the light sensor, and the light. Theprocessing system may include at least one processor and may beconfigured to receive an indication of the ambient brightness level inthe ambient environment of the hazard detector from the light sensor.The processing system may be configured to determine that the ambientbrightness level is less than a threshold brightness value. Theprocessing system may be configured to receive information from themotion sensor indicative of the user moving in the ambient environmentof the hazard detector. The processing system may be configured to causethe light to illuminate based on the ambient brightness level beingbelow the threshold brightness value and the user moving in the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector.

Embodiments of such a hazard detector may include one or more of thefollowing features: The processing system may be configured to determinea charge level of one or more batteries of the hazard detector. Theprocessing system may be configured to compare the determined chargelevel of the one or more batteries of the hazard detector to a thresholdcharge level, wherein the processing system being configured to causethe light to illuminate based on the ambient brightness level beingbelow the threshold brightness value and the user being present in theambient environment of the hazard detector is further based on thedetermined charge level being greater than the threshold charge level.The processing system may be configured to access a stored datastructure that identifies a plurality of colors linked with a pluralityof states of the hazard detector. The processing system may beconfigured to select a color for the light based on a state of thehazard detector using the stored data structure, wherein the state isindicative of the ambient brightness level being below the thresholdbrightness value and motion being present in the ambient environment ofthe hazard detector. The processing system may be configured to receivean indication of a type of room in which the hazard detector is or willbe installed. The processing system may be configured to determine thatthe indication of the type of room is indicative of a room type otherthan a bedroom, wherein the processing system being configured toactivate the light based on the ambient brightness level being below thethreshold brightness value and motion being present in the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector comprises the processing system beingconfigured to cause the light to illuminate based on the ambientbrightness level being below the threshold brightness value, motionbeing present in the ambient environment of the hazard detector, and thereceived indication of the type of room being indicative of a room typeother than a bedroom. The hazard detector may include a wirelesscommunication interface in communication with the processing system. Theprocessing system may be further configured to perform an initialconfiguration of the hazard detector using a wireless connection usingthe hazard detector and a computerized wireless device that is incommunication with the hazard detector.

Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of such a hazard detector mayinclude one or more of the following features: The processing system maybe configured to enable a path-light (or night-light) feature based atleast in part on the initial configuration of the hazard detector beingperformed via the wireless connection using the hazard detector and thecomputerized wireless device. The processing system being configured toactivate the light based on the ambient brightness level being below thethreshold brightness value and motion being present in the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector may include the processing systembeing configured to activate the light based on the ambient brightnesslevel being below the threshold brightness value, motion being presentin the ambient environment of the hazard detector, and the path-lightfeature being enabled based at least in part on the initialconfiguration of the hazard detector being performed via the wirelessconnection using the hazard detector and the computerized wirelessdevice. The light may be comprised of a plurality of light emittingdiodes (LEDs) and the light outputs light from the hazard detector in ashape of a ring when each of the plurality of LEDs is illuminated. Thehazard detector may include a wireless communication interface incommunication with the processing system. The processing system may beconfigured to receive, from a remote server, via a wireless network, amessage indicative that a path-light feature has been disabled by a uservia a remote computerized device. The processing system may beconfigured to disable the path-light feature such that the light remainsunlit in response to the ambient brightness level being below thethreshold brightness value and motion being present in the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector. The hazard detector may include awireless communication interface in communication with the processingsystem. The processing system may be further configured to receive, froma remote server, via a wireless network, a message indicative that abrightness level of a path-light feature has been set to a user-definedbrightness level. The processing system may be configured to illuminatethe light at the user-defined brightness level based on the ambientbrightness level being below the threshold brightness value and motionbeing present in the ambient environment of the hazard detector. Thelight may be capable of illuminating a plurality of colors. Theprocessing system being configured to activate the light based on theambient brightness level being below the threshold brightness value andthe presence in the ambient environment of the hazard detector mayinclude the processing system being configured to cause the light toilluminate a first color of the plurality of colors. The processingsystem may be configured to receive an indication of the presence of thehazardous condition from the hazard sensor. The processing system may beconfigured to activate the light in response to receiving the presenceof the hazardous condition from the hazard sensor, wherein the light isilluminated a second color of the plurality of colors.

In some embodiments, a hazard detector apparatus for providingconditional lighting by a hazard detector may be presented. Theapparatus may include means for measuring an ambient brightness level inan ambient environment of the hazard detector. The apparatus may includemeans for determining that the ambient brightness level is less than athreshold brightness value. The apparatus may include means forcollecting motion data indicative of a user moving in the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector. The apparatus may include means forilluminating a light of the hazard detector based on the ambientbrightness level being below the threshold brightness value and the usermoving in the ambient environment of the apparatus.

In some embodiments, a method for providing conditional lighting by ahazard detector may be presented. The method may include measuring, bythe hazard detector, an ambient brightness level in an ambientenvironment of the hazard detector. The method may include determining,by the hazard detector, that the ambient brightness level is less than athreshold brightness value. The method may include collecting, by thehazard detector, motion data indicative of a user moving in the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector. The method may include illuminating,by the hazard detector, a light of the hazard detector based on theambient brightness level being below the threshold brightness value andthe user moving in the ambient environment of the hazard detector. Sucha method may be implemented using a non-transitory processor-readablemedium such that one or more processors perform instructions that causethe steps of the method to occur.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a hazard detector that provideslighting based on certain conditions being present in the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a hazard detector that provideslighting based on certain conditions being present in the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a light configured to encircle auser input component of a hazard detector.

FIG. 4 illustrates an external view of an embodiment of a hazarddetector with a ring-shaped light.

FIG. 5 illustrates an external view of an embodiment of a hazarddetector that outputs a circular pattern of light.

FIG. 6 illustrates various combinations of visual effects and color thatmay be used by a hazard detector.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a method for providing conditionallighting by a hazard detector.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a method for providing conditionallighting by a hazard detector contingent upon at least a locationassignment.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a method for providing conditionallighting by a hazard detector contingent upon at least an initialconfiguration of the hazard detector and user preferences.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a smart-home environment withinwhich one or more of the devices, methods, systems, services, and/orcomputer program products described herein may be applicable.

FIG. 11 illustrates a network-level view of the extensible devices andservices platform with which a hazard detector may be integrated.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of an abstracted functional view ofthe extensible devices and services platform of FIG. 11, with referenceto a processing engine as well as devices of the smart-home environment.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a computer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hazard detectors, such as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors,may be installed in multiple locations within a home (or other form ofstructure). For example, a typical home may have a hazard detector ineach bedroom, a living room, the dining room, and a hallway. It may beuseful to occupants of such home for the hazard detectors to providefunctionality in addition to detecting hazards. As detailed herein, whena hazard is not being detected, the hazard detector may provideancillary benefits to the home occupants. The hazard detector mayfunction to provide conditional lighting, which may also be referred toas a “path light” feature.

Such conditional lighting may involve the hazard detector outputtinglight when certain conditions are present in the ambient environment ofthe hazard detector. For instance, when the ambient environment of thehazard detector is darkened and motion is detected, the hazard detectormay be configured to activate its light and output an amount of light,which may be sufficient to illuminate the ambient environment for aperson to see nearby objects. In some embodiments, if a household'selectrical system is connected to the hazard detector, the light may beactivated whenever the ambient environment of the hazard detector isdetermined to be darker than a threshold brightness value. In additionto such lighting being conditional on motion and/or a darkenedenvironment, if the hazard detector was installed in a bedroom, theconditional lighting feature may be disabled or may default to beingdisabled. It may be unlikely that a user would want such conditionallighting in a bedroom because small nocturnal movements, such as rollingover in bed, may trigger the conditional lighting of the hazard detectorto activate. The output of conditional lighting by a hazard detector maybe contingent on a hazardous situation not being detected. If at anytime, such as when the conditional lighting is active or inactive, thehazard detector (or another hazard detector in communication with thehazard detector) detects a hazardous situation, the conditional lightingfeature may be disabled and light and/or sound associated with thedetected hazardous situation may be output, such as until the hazardoussituation is no longer detected.

The light of the hazard detector may serve multiple purposes. Forinstance, the light may also be used to output status indications to theuser in addition to providing conditional lighting. The color and/oranimation output by the light when providing conditional lighting may beunassociated with a status indication, such as to prevent a user frombecoming confused as to whether the light is indicating a status or isoutputting conditional lighting. For instance, white light may be outputby the hazard detector as conditional lighting to illuminate the ambientenvironment, while each status is associated with a color other thanwhite.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a hazard detector 100 that provideslighting based on certain conditions being present in the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector. Hazard detector 100 may include:processing system 110, hazard sensor 120, light sensor 130, light 140,and presence detector 150. It should be understood that additionalcomponents may be present and are not illustrated for simplicity ofunderstanding. For instance, hazard detector 100 may include one or morepower sources and a case to house components of the hazard detector.

Processing system 110 may include one or more processors. Processingsystem 110 may receive input from hazard sensor 120, light sensor 130,presence detector 150, and/or other sources. Based on input from hazardsensor 120, light sensor 130, presence detector 150, and/or othersources, processing system 110 may cause light 140 to illuminate usingvarious illumination modes. In some embodiments, processing system 110includes at least two processors: a low-level processor and a high-levelprocessor. The low-level processor may handle functions related tohazard detection and may be communicatively connected with hazard sensor120. A high-level processor, which may be configured to handle functionsrelated to user input, wireless communication, and usability may controlillumination of light 140. In some embodiments, both the high and lowlevel processors are able to cause light 140 to illuminate. Suchprocessing may be divided between the high and low level processor suchthat functions of processor system 110 related to hazard detection aresubstantially isolated from other functions directed to usability. Forinstance, the low level processor may be able to cause an alarm to soundif a hazardous condition is present even if the high level processor isnot functioning properly.

Hazard sensor 120 may represent a smoke sensor or a carbon monoxidesensor that detects the presence of smoke or carbon monoxide,respectively, in the ambient environment of the hazard detector. Inother embodiments, hazard sensor 120 may represent some other form ofsensor that detects a hazard in the ambient environment of hazarddetector 100. While a single hazard sensor 120 is illustrated as presentin hazard detector 100, it should be understood that in variousembodiments multiple hazard sensors may be present, such as a carbonmonoxide sensor and a smoke sensor. Further, multiple types of smokesensors may be present, such as an ionization-based smoke sensor and aphotoelectric-based smoke sensor. Hazard sensor 120 may becommunicatively connected with processing system 110 such that, when ahazard is detected by hazard sensor 120, processing system 110 receivesinput from the sensor indicative of the hazard. In some embodiments, thelow-level processor of processing system 110 receives the indication ofthe presence of the hazard.

Light sensor 130 detects the presence of light in the ambientenvironment of hazard detector 100. Light sensor 130 may detect abrightness level in the ambient environment of hazard detector 100. Sucha brightness level may be affected by natural and artificial lighting.Light sensor 130 may provide an indication of the brightness level inthe ambient environment of hazard detector 100 to processing system 110.

Light 140 may represent a light integrated into hazard detector 100 thatoutputs light to the external environment around hazard detector 100.Light 140 may be controlled by processing system 110. Light 140 mayinclude one or more lighting elements, such as light emitting diodes(LEDs). Light 140 may be capable of outputting various illuminationmodes that can include: multiple colors, multiple animation patterns,and/or such multiple animation patterns at varying speeds. The at leastone color, animation pattern, and speed of animation output by light 140may be determined based on a determination performed by processingsystem 110. Therefore, based on conditions monitored by processingsystem 110, light 140 may be illuminated or disabled. When light 140 isilluminated, the one or more colors, animation pattern, and/or speed ofthe animation output by light 140 may vary based on a determinationperformed by processing system 110.

Presence detector 150 may detect a presence or motion within the ambientenvironment of hazard detector 100. Presence detector 150 may includeone or more passive infrared (PIR) sensors and/or ultrasonic sensorsthat receive infrared radiation (or reflected ultrasonic sound) from theambient environment of the hazard detector. For instance, a user walkingin the vicinity of hazard detector 100 emits infrared radiation whichmay be detected based on motion by presence detector 150. In otherembodiments, presence detector 150 may additionally or alternatively usesome other form of sensor than a PIR sensor, such as an ultrasonicsensor. Presence detector 150 may provide an indication to processingsystem 110 of when motion is present in the ambient environment ofhazard detector 100. Generally, presence detector 150 may be a form ofsensor that can detect a user's presence even if motionless, such asbased on an infrared signature of the user or a captured image. In someembodiments, presence detector 150 outputs raw data that is analyzed byprocessing system 110 to determine if motion is present. In someembodiments, motion may be analyzed to determine if it likelycorresponds to a person or is incidental (e.g., a pet, an object beingwarmed by sunlight, etc.).

It should be understood that the block diagram presented in hazarddetector 100 in FIG. 1 is highly simplified. As such, components thatare not illustrated may be present, such as a power source, case, lightguide, etc. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a hazard detector 200that provides lighting based on certain conditions being present in theambient environment of the hazard detector. Hazard detector 200 mayrepresent a more detailed embodiment of hazard detector 100 of FIG. 1.In hazard detector 200, various components may be present including:processing system 110, light sensor 130, light 140, carbon monoxidesensor 121, smoke sensor 122, battery-based power source 210, wirelesscommunication module 230, user input component 222, structure powersource 220, and presence detector 150.

Processing system 110 of hazard detector 200 may include multiplesubmodules. Such submodules may be implemented using hardware, firmware,and/or software that is executed by underlying hardware, such as one ormore processors. Such modules may include: motion and light analysisengine 241, location assignment engine 242, rule check engine 243, lightillumination engine 244, illumination definitions 245, and alarmoverride 246. For instance, such modules may represent code that isexecuted by a high-level processor and/or a low-level of hazard detector200.

Motion and light analysis engine 241 may receive input from light sensor130 and presence detector 150. Light sensor 130 may provide motion andlight analysis engine 241 with an indication of a brightness level ofthe ambient environment of hazard detector 200. Motion and lightanalysis engine 241 may compare this received brightness level to astored brightness threshold value, such as to determine if thebrightness in the ambient environment of the hazard detector has becomedarkened (the received brightness level is equal to or less than thethreshold value). Presence detector 150 may provide motion and lightanalysis engine 241 with an indication of whether or not motion has beendetected in the ambient environment of the hazard detector. In someembodiments, presence detector 150 provides motion and light analysisengine 241 with the raw motion data that is analyzed by motion and lightanalysis engine 241 to determine if a user is present in the ambientenvironment of hazard detector 200, such as based on motion.

Location assignment engine 242 may determine a room type in which hazarddetector 200 has been installed. In some embodiments, such as during aninitial configuration or set up, a user may specify a type of room inwhich hazard detector 200 is installed. Location assignment engine 242may maintain an indication of the type of room indicated by the user andmay use this indication to determine whether conditional lighting shouldbe provided. For example, by default, conditional lighting may bedisabled for hazard detectors that are installed within a bedroom. Someor all other room types, by default, may have conditional lightingenabled. Conditional lighting may be disabled for bedrooms so thatincidental movement, such as during sleep, does not trigger the light onhazard detector 200 to illuminate. A user, during setup by accessing auser account maintained by a remote server, may alter the defaultenablement setting for conditional lighting based on the room type.

Rule check engine 243 may be configured to check various rules todetermine if conditional lighting is eligible to be illuminated. Forexample, one possible rule, that may be checked before conditionallighting is enabled, may be to determine whether an initialconfiguration of hazard detector 200 was performed using wirelesscommunication module 230 and a wireless communication device. Anotherpossible rule that may be checked before conditional lighting isilluminated is whether a user has reconfigured hazard detector 200 toalter whether conditional lighting is enabled or disabled. In someembodiments, a user may provide such a preference via a user accountmaintained by a remote server. Periodically, processing system 110 maycommunicate with such a remote server via wireless communication module230. During such a communication session, the user preference may beloaded to processing system 110 such that conditional lighting occurs incompliance with the user preference.

Light 140 and light sensor 130 may function as detailed in relation tohazard detector 100. In hazard detector 200, two hazard sensors arepresent: carbon monoxide sensor 121 and smoke sensor 122. In someembodiments, multiple versions of each of these types of sensors can bepresent. For instance, an ionization and a photoelectric smoke sensormay be present in hazard detector 200. When carbon monoxide sensor 121senses carbon monoxide or smoke sensor 122 senses smoke, an indicationmay be sent to a processor of processing system 110, which may behandled by alarm override 246 if conditional lighting is active. Anindication of an alarm condition may be transmitted to a low-levelprocessor that triggers an alarm to sound and/or a light color and/oranimation to be output by light 140. This low-level processor maytrigger light 140 directly to illuminate in a state indicative of ahazard or may provide input to a high-level processor that is part ofprocessing system 110 that triggers a lookup of an illuminationdefinition via stored illumination definitions 245 to determine anappropriate color, animation, and/or speed of animation to use forillumination of light 140. Regardless of whether the high-level orlow-level processor is used, a different color, animation, and/or speedmay be used for carbon monoxide as compared to smoke. In someembodiments, both the low and high level processors are capable ofcausing light 140 to illuminate.

Light illumination engine 244 may control illuminating light 140. Iflight analysis engine 241 provides information to light illuminationengine 244 indicative of the brightness level in the ambient environmentof hazard detector 200 being below a threshold value and motion beingpresent in the ambient environment, light illumination engine 244 maycause light 140 to illuminate. Light illumination engine 244 causinglight 140 to illuminate may be conditioned on location assignment engine240 determining that hazard detector 200 is not installed within abedroom. Light illumination engine 244 causing light 140 to illuminatemay also be conditioned on rule check engine 243 determining that one ormore evaluated rules indicate that conditional lighting is eligible tobe illuminated.

Light illumination engine 244 may illuminate light 140 under variousconditions in addition to providing conditional lighting based on motionand a darkened environment. Light illumination engine 244 may accessillumination definitions 245 to determine what color and/or animationshould be used to illuminate light 140 based on the observed conditionsby motion and light analysis engine 241. Illumination definitions 245may be a stored set of definitions that define one or more colors and/orone or more animations used to illuminate light 140 in certainsituations. Such illumination definitions 245 may be stored on anon-transitory processor readable medium that is part of processingsystem 110 or maintained separately. In some embodiments, in order toprovide the nightlight feature, light illumination engine 244 may accessillumination definitions 245 to determine that the light should beilluminated white and an animation that involves fading on and fadingoff should be used for initiating and ending illumination of light 140.Illumination definitions 245 may store definitions of other conditionsof hazard detector 200. For instance, light 140 may be illuminated adifferent color and a user different animation if a hazard is detectedby carbon monoxide sensor 121 or smoke sensor 122.

Light illumination engine 244 may cause light 140 to illuminate whilemotion is being detected by motion and light analysis engine 241 and thebrightness level in the ambient environment of hazard detector 200remains below the threshold as analyzed by motion and light analysisengine 241. During this time, it is possible that carbon monoxide sensor121 and/or smoke sensor 122 may determine that a hazard is present inthe ambient environment of hazard detector 200. In such a situation,alarm override 246 may cause conditional lighting, which may involvewhite light being output by light 140 to cease being output. Instead,alarm override 246 may cause a color and animation associated with thedetected hazard to be output by light 140. Additionally, sound may bebeing output by a speaker, such as shrill alarm sound used to alert theuser to imminent danger.

Wireless communication module 230 may allow processing system 110 tocommunicate with a wireless network present within the structure inwhich hazard detector 200 is installed. For instance, wirelesscommunication module 230 may communicate with a wireless network thatuses the IEEE 802.11a/b/g network protocol standard for communication.Wireless communication module 230 may permit processing system 110 tocommunicate with a remote server, which may be maintained by amanufacturer of hazard detector 200 or by a third-party. The remoteserver may be configured to provide information to processing system 110about an account of a user associated with hazard detector 200.Periodically, such as once a day or once an hour, the wirelesscommunication module 230 may be configured to query a remote serverregarding the status of a user account associated with the hazarddetector. For instance, if an account of the user maintained at theremote server requires attention from a user, such indication may beprovided to processing system 110 via wireless communication module 230in response to such a query. Further, processing system 110 may transmitstatus information to a remote server. Such an arrangement may permit auser to view status information about the hazard detector by logging into the remote server via a computing device and accessing the useraccount.

Wireless communication module 230 may also permit direct connection witha wireless computerized device. For instance, wireless communicationmodule 230 may create a wireless area network (e.g., WiFi network) thata computerized wireless device, such as a tablet computer or smartphone,can connect with. Once connected, messages may be exchanged betweenprocessing system 110 (via wireless communication module 230) and awireless computerized device, such as to permit an initial configurationof hazard detector 200 to be performed via the computerized wirelessdevice. In other embodiments, such an initial configuration is performedvia a network connection through a router or other form of directcommunication, such as Bluetooth®) or WiFi Direct®.®. More generally,the required data communications can be carried out using one or more ofa variety of custom or standard wireless protocols (e.g., cellular,3G/4G, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, BLE, etc.) and/or any of a variety ofcustom or standard wired protocols (CAT6 Ethernet, HomePlug, etc.). Oneparticularly useful protocol that can be used is the Thread protocol,which is promulgated by the Thread Group and based on 802.15.4, IETFIPv6, and 6LoWPAN. For some embodiments, devices that are powered by thehousehold mains current, either directly or through an AC power adapter,can be provided with a combination of Wi-Fi, which can be relativelypower-intensive, along with one or more lower-power protocols such asThread and/or BLE. In contrast, devices that are power-constrained inthat they are not powered by the household mains current and do not haveaccess to a high-capacity battery source are provided only with one ormore low-power protocols such as Thread and/or BLE. In some cases,devices that are not powered by the household mains current, but do haveaccess to a reasonably high-capacity battery source, can be providedwith a combination of Wi-Fi and one or more lower-power protocols suchas Thread and/or BLE, with the Wi-Fi communications being controlled tobe temporally restricted, such as being turned on only during briefperiodic time intervals (e.g., once per day to upload logs and receiveupdates from the cloud), during particular device-sensed events, or whenthe user has physically actuated the device such as by pressing a buttonon the device. The hazard detectors described herein can be provided intwo different SKUs, one SKU being mains-powered with battery backup andthe other SKU being battery only, albeit with a relatively large batterysource (e.g., six lithium AA cells). For this battery-only SKU, thehazard detector is preferably provided with a combination of thetemporally restricted Wi-Fi and one or more lower-power protocols suchas Thread and/or BLE.

Whether via a wireless computerized device or a remote server, a usermay provide input to hazard detector 200 via wireless communicationmodule 230 that is indicative of whether conditional lighting should beenabled and/or a desired brightness level of the conditional lighting.By default, conditional lighting may be enabled at a brightness levelselected based on whether hazard detector 200 operates solely onbatteries or receives power from a structure's wired power source. Ifthe structure power source is available, the brightness level of theconditional lighting may, by default, be increased to provide betterillumination. If batteries are used as the sole power source, thebrightness level of the conditional lighting may, by default, bedecreased to preserve battery life. In some embodiments, the brightnesslevel is set, by default, to a same brightness level for battery andwired power source embodiments. Via the remote server, a user may updatea preference indicative of a desired brightness level. When the hazarddetector messages with the remote server, the brightness level providedby the user may be transmitted to hazard detector 200 via wirelesscommunication module 230.

User input component 222 may represent a component that receives inputthat can be passed to processing system 110. User input component 222may take the form of a button or switch on hazard detector 200. Bydepressing the button or otherwise actuating user input component 222, auser can provide input via user input component 222 to processing system110. For instance, user input component 222 may be used by a user todisable an alarm being sounded by hazard detector 200. User inputcomponent 222 may be encircled or have its perimeter otherwise outlinedby light 140 (that is, by the light itself and/or by light output bylight 140). Therefore, when light 140 is active, and the user desires toprovide input, the user may touch or push hazard detector 200 within thearea defined by light 140 and/or the light output by light 140.

Presence detector 150 may detect the presence of a user in the vicinityof hazard detector 200 and may function as detailed in relation toFIG. 1. Presence detector 150 may include one or more sensors, such aspassive infrared (PIR) sensors. Presence detector 150 may detect thepresence of one or more users, such as based on motion observed based onreceived infrared light. For instance, presence detector 150 may detecta wave gesture performed by a user. In some embodiments, presencedetector 150 may only be enabled at certain times, which may conservepower. Such motion detection may be used to enable lighting to allow auser to see in the vicinity of hazard detector 200 and/or may be used tocontrol and/or provide occupancy data to HVAC systems within thestructure. Presence detector 150 may be integrated with user inputcomponent 222 such that user input component 222 conceals presencedetector 150 within hazard detector 200. Further, an integrated lens maybe present in user input component 222 such that presence detector 150detects the presence of one or more users through the button of userinput component 222.

Hazard detector 200 may include battery-based power source 210 andstructure power source 220. Structure power source 220 may be used topower hazard detector 200 when such power is available. Structure powersource 220 may represent a hard-wired connection within a structure(e.g., house, building, office, etc.) that provides an AC or DC power toone or more hazard detectors located throughout the structure. While theAC or DC power may be available a significant percentage of time (e.g.,99.5% of the time), it may be desirable for hazard detector 200 tocontinue functioning if structure power is unavailable (e.g., during apower failure). As such, battery-based power source 210 may also bepresent. Battery-based power source 210 may include one or morebatteries (and/or may use one or more capacitors) which power thevarious components of hazard detector 200 when structure power source220 is not available. In some embodiments of hazard detector 200,structure power source 220 is not present. As such, hazard detector 200may permanently rely on battery-based power source 210 to powercomponents of hazard detector 200. Structure power source 220 andbattery-based power source 210 are illustrated in FIG. 2 as connectedwith processing system 110. It should be understood that, whilestructure power source 220 and battery-based power source 210 areillustrated as only connected with processing system 110, this is forsimplicity of illustration only; structure power source 220 and/orbattery-based power source 210 may be connected to the variouscomponents of hazard detector 200 as necessary to power such components.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a light configured to encircle auser input component of a hazard detector. Such a light may be used toprovide conditional lighting as detailed in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2.Embodiment 300 may include light 140, user input component 222, PIRsensor 310, lens 320, lighting elements 330, and light ring 340. Light140 may be understood as including lighting elements 330 and light ring340. Lighting elements 330 may include one or more components thatoutput light. For instance, lighting elements 330 may be LEDs. In someembodiments, light 140 includes five LEDs functioning as lightingelements 330. It should be understood that in other embodiments, a feweror greater number of LEDs functioning as lighting elements 330 may bepresent.

Light 140, as illustrated embodiment 300, may encircle user inputcomponent 222. To accomplish this, light ring 340 may be used. Lightring 340, which, more generally, can be referred to as a light guide,may diffuse or otherwise direct light generated by lighting elements 330to emanate a face of the hazard detector in which embodiment 300 isintegrated. Light ring 340 may be a solid piece of transparent orsemitransparent material, such as plastic or glass, that causes lightemitted by lighting elements 330 to emanate from a hazard detector inapproximately a continuous ring of light when all of lighting elements330 are illuminated. As such, light ring 340 may cause output light toappear, from the exterior of the hazard detector of which embodiment 300is a part, to be in the shape of a ring. This ring of light may becircular or oval. Other embodiments of light guides may cause outputlight to form some other form of perimeter, such as a perimeter of anoctagon, quadrilateral, triangle, or some other geometric or abstractshape.

User input component 222, which may be in the form of a button, may beencircled by light output by light 140. More specifically, light outputthrough light ring 340 and/or a portion of light ring 340 maysubstantially define the edge of user input component 222. As such, auser touching the hazard detector within a perimeter of light output bylight ring 340 can be expected to be touching user input component 222.Such an arrangement may be particularly useful in the dark such that,when light is emanating from light ring 340, a user only needs to touchthe hazard detector within the light output from light ring 340 in orderto press user input component 222.

User input component 222 may be integrated with presence detector 150 asdetailed in relation to hazard detector 200. In embodiment 300, PIRsensor 310 and lens 320 are being used as the presence sensor. PIRsensor 310 may sense the presence of a user based on infrared detectionthrough the face of user input component 222. Incorporated as part ofuser input component 222 may be lens 320, which helps define a region inthe environment of the hazard detector in which PIR sensor 310 can sensethe presence of the user and/or a gesture being performed based onreceived infrared radiation.

Lighting elements 330 and at least a portion of light ring 340 may belocated behind the face of user input component 222, similar to PIRsensor 310. As such, lighting elements 330 may generate light behind theface of user input component 222 and light ring 340 may direct suchlight to a portion of light ring 340 that is present on an exterior faceof the hazard detector. Alternatively, light ring 340 may be completelyor nearly completely hidden from external view behind user inputcomponent 222; light from lighting elements 330 may be directed by lightring 340 to reflect off of a portion of a case (or, more specifically, acover plate) of the hazard detector, such as a portion of the case thatis depressed. Such an arrangement may permit individual lightingelements of lighting elements 330 to not directly face the exterior ofthe hazard detector. Such an arrangement may be beneficial for spacesavings within the hazard detector, allowing for a compactconfiguration.

FIG. 4 illustrates an external view of an embodiment of a hazarddetector 400 with a ring-shaped light. Hazard detector 400 may representthe hazard detectors of FIGS. 1 and 2, and may include the embodiment ofFIG. 3. FIG. 4 illustrates an external view of an embodiment of a hazarddetector 400. Hazard detector 400 may include case 410, light 140, anduser input component 222. Case 410 may represent a shell of hazarddetector 400 which is configured to be mounted to a wall or ceiling.Case 410 may allow airflow through hazard detector 400 to permit one ormore sensors within hazard detector 400 to be exposed to the air of theambient environment of hazard detector 400. On the side of case 410opposite the side used for mounting to a wall or ceiling, light 140 mayoutput light. The portion of light 140 visible in FIG. 4 may be aportion of a light ring that causes light generated by lighting elementshidden within the hazard detector to emanate from a face of case 410. Insome embodiments light 140 is concealed within hazard detector 400, buta portion of case 410 (or some other physical portion of the hazarddetector) is arranged to reflect light generated by light 140. Forinstance, a portion of case 410 may be depressed in order to reflect andscatter light output by light 140. Such a case may include a coverplate, front casing, backplate, and/or mounting plate. Light 140 mayinclude one or more light elements, such as LEDs that are located withinhazard detector 400 behind user input component 222.

While light 140 is illustrated as a ring (which can also be referred toas a halo), it should be understood that, in other embodiments of hazarddetector 400, other shapes may be used for light 140. For instance,light 140 may be elliptical, square, triangular, some other geometricshape, some other abstract shape, or a line. Similarly, in someembodiments, case 410 is square or rectangular, with rounded edges.While such a design may be especially pleasing to the eye, other shapes,both geometric or abstract, may be used to house the functionalcomponents of hazard detector 400. Generation of the light may occurbehind user input component 222 and may be directed by a light ring,which may also be located behind user input component 222, to emanatefrom the hazard detector in the appearance of a ring, as illustrated bythe halo-like shape of light 140. As such, in some embodiments, theentire light ring and lighting elements (which, collectively, form light140) may be located behind user input component 222 and the lightdirected by the light ring may reflect off of a recessed portion of case410 into the ambient environment of hazard detector 400 for viewing by auser.

User input component 222 may include a lens that is used in conjunctionwith a presence sensor (e.g., PIR sensor) to determine if a user ispresent and/or detect whether a gesture has been performed by user. Userinput component 222 may have its perimeter substantially defined by thelight emanating from light 140. User input component 222 may serve adual function: functioning as a lens and as a button which can be pushedby user to provide input to hazard detector 400. In some embodiments,user input component 222 is a button but does not include an integratedlens. When user input component 222 is a button, by having user inputcomponent 222 encircled by emitted light by light 140, it may be easyfor a user to locate the button in a darkened environment when light 140is illuminated. In such a situation, the user would only need to pushwithin the circle of light (the “halo”) or other region defined by light140 in order to actuate the button.

Light 140 may appear substantially centered on an exterior surface ofcase 410. Case 410 may be designed for a first exterior surface mount toa wall or ceiling. The opposite exterior surface of case 410 may includelight 140. Light 140 and user input component 222 may be substantiallycentered about an axis extending through the center of the first andsecond exterior surfaces of case 410 of hazard detector 400. In otherembodiments, light 140 and/or user input component 222 may not becentered on the exterior surface of case 410. In some embodiments, light140 may not be recessed within case 410 or may extend beyond an exteriorsurface of case 410. For example, in some embodiments, light 140 may bepresent as a recessed portion of case 410 that permits light generatedwithin case 410 (e.g., behind user input component 222) to emanate fromthe recessed portion of case 410.

In some embodiments, the location of light 140 is a depressed portion ofcase 410. From behind user input component 222 or from some otherlocation within case 410, light is emitted into the depressed portion ofcase 410. The light reflects off of case 410 into the environment ofhazard detector 400, outlining user input component 222. Further, due tothe depressed portion of case 410, from various angles a user may beable to partially see behind user input component 222. Such a region mayalso be illuminated by light when light 140 is illuminated.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of hazard detector 500 which mayrepresent various embodiments of hazard detectors detailed in thisdocument. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows mounting plate 541, front casing543, and cover plate 549 in an assembled configuration with variousother components, such as the hazard sensors and processing system,contained within an interior space of hazard detector 500. This figurealso shows a plurality of holes or openings of cover plate 549 forming avisually pleasing design that is viewable by an occupant of a roomwithin which the hazard detector 500 is mounted. The user inputcomponent 222 is shown attached to the hazard detector 500 so as to becentrally positioned with respect to cover plate 549.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment 600 of various combinations of visualeffects (also referred to as animations) and color that may be used by ahazard detector for illuminating a light, such as light 140 of FIGS.1-5. Such combinations may be stored in the form of a look-up table by ahazard detector or may be accessible via a network from a remotecomputerized device, such as a cloud-based server system (e.g.,cloud-computing system 1064). Based upon a status or condition of thehazard detector, the table of embodiment 600 may be used to determine acolor and animation for illuminating the light. Color 601 may be red,color 602 may be yellow, color 603 may be green, color 604 may be blue,and color 605 may be white. Other color assignments are also possible.Definitions of colors, visual effects, and/or speeds may be stored by ahazard detector, such as in stored illumination definitions 245, whichmay be present on a non-transitory processor-readable medium. Inresponse to a condition determined by the hazard detector, theprocessing system of the hazard detector may look up or otherwisedetermine the appropriate combination of colors, visual effect, and/orspeed to use to illuminate the light. For example, if light illuminationengine 244 determines that conditional lighting should be enabled basedon factors including detected motion and the ambient environment of thehazard detector being darkened, entry 606 may be used to determine thatthe color to use for illumination of light 140 is white and a fadeon/off animation should be used when initiating and ending illuminationof light 140. Definitions of colors and animations may be provided to auser, such as in the form of a quick reference sheet or manual providedwith a hazard detector when purchased.

The hazard detectors detailed in relation to FIGS. 1 through 5 and theillumination definitions detailed in relation FIG. 6 may be used toperform various methods. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a method700 for providing conditional lighting by a hazard detector. Method 700may be performed using any of the embodiments of hazard detectorsdetailed in relation to FIGS. 1 through 5. Further, it may be possiblethat other embodiments of hazard detectors may be used to perform theblocks of method 700. Each block of method 700 may be understood asgenerally being performed by a hazard detector or a component of thehazard detector.

At block 710, an indication of the brightness level in an ambientenvironment of a hazard detector may be received. Such an indication ofthe brightness in the ambient environment of the hazard detector may bereceived from a light sensor of the hazard detector by a processingsystem of the hazard detector. For instance, referring to hazarddetector 200, light sensor 130 may provide an indication of thebrightness level in the ambient environment of hazard detector 200 toprocessing system 110. Such indication may be provided periodically ormay be provided by light sensor 130 to processing system 110 underspecific circumstances. For instance, it may be possible that lightsensor 130 may only monitor the brightness level in the ambientenvironment of hazard detector 200 when structure power source 220supplies power to components of hazard detector 200.

At block 720, the brightness level received at block 710 may be comparedto a stored threshold brightness value. Such a threshold brightnessvalue may be used to determine whether the ambient environment of thehazard detector is darkened to an extent in which a nightlight featureof the hazard detector may be useful to users in the general vicinity.Referring to hazard detector 200, processing system 110 may compare thereceived brightness level from block 710 with the stored thresholdbrightness value to determine if the received brightness level fromblock 710 has decreased to less than the threshold brightness value. Ifnot, method 700 may cease to be performed or may return to block 710.Therefore, in a brightness environment, blocks 710 and 720 may berepeatedly performed prior to block 730 being performed. Alternatively,in some embodiments block 730 may be performed before block 710 and/orblock 720.

At block 730, information from a motion sensor of the hazard detectormay be received by the hazard detectors processing system. Suchinformation may be indicative of whether motion in the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector has been detected. In someembodiments, the motion sensor may analyze received infrared radiationto determine if a user is likely present in the ambient environment ofthe hazard detector. Such a motion sensor may provide an indication to aprocessing system of the hazard detector as to whether or not a user islikely present in the ambient environment of the hazard detector. Inother embodiments, a motion sensor may provide raw data gathered bymonitoring received infrared radiation to a processing system of thehazard detector. Such a processing system may in turn analyze suchreceived data to determine if a user is likely present in the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector. Referring to hazard detector 200,presence detector 150 may provide data indicative of motion or presenceof the user in the ambient environment of hazard detector 200 toprocessing system 110.

At block 740, a light of the hazard detector may be activated.Activation of the light may be contingent on motion being detected inthe ambient environment of the hazard detector and the brightness levelhaving been determined to be less than the threshold brightness value.As such, when illuminated, the light may serve as a nightlight when theroom in which the hazard detector is installed is dark and motion hasbeen detected. Because activation of the light is contingent on motionand a darkened environment, the nightlight feature is activated onlywhen it is likely needed by a user. Following activation at block 740,method 700 may repeat until either the ambient environment of the hazarddetector is no longer darker than the threshold brightness value ormotion is no longer detected in the ambient environment of the hazarddetector. At which time, the light of the hazard detector may ceaseilluminating for uses the nightlight feature. Activation of the lightfor such conditional lighting may use an animation to initiate (and,eventually conclude) illumination of the light, such as by fading thelight on.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a method 800 for providingconditional lighting by a hazard detector contingent upon at least alocation assignment. Method 800 may be performed using any of theembodiments of hazard detectors detailed in relation to FIGS. 1 through5. Further, it may be possible that other embodiments of hazarddetectors may be used to perform the blocks of method 800. Each block ofmethod 800 may be understood as generally being performed by a hazarddetector or a component of the hazard detector. Method 800 may representa more detailed embodiment of method 700. As such, any or all blocksperformed as part of method 700 may also be performed as part of method800.

At block 805, the hazard detector may receive an indication of a type ofroom in which the hazard detector is installed. For instance, during aninitial setup process or via an online account, a user may specify thetype of room in which the hazard detector is installed. The user mayselect from choices such as: kitchen, hallway, bedroom, bathroom,basement, living room, dining room, study, library, poolroom,entertainment room, etc. in some embodiments, if the initialconfiguration is performed via a wireless device in communication withthe hazard detector, the user may select from a list of available roomtypes in order to specify which type of room the hazard detector will be(or has been) installed in.

At block 807, it may be determined whether the hazard detector has beenor will be installed in a bedroom based upon the received indication atblock 805. As a default setting or some other form of predefinedassignment, the conditional lighting feature may be deactivated forbedrooms. For some or all other types of rooms, the conditional lightingfeature may be, by default, activated. If, at block 807, it isdetermined that the user selected bedroom as the type of room in whichthe hazard detectors installed at block 805, the light may not beilluminated at block 808. Therefore, regardless of whether the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector is determined to be darkened andmotion is present, the nightlight feature may not cause a light of thehazard detector to be illuminated. However, if at block 807 it isdetermined that the hazard detector is installed in a room type otherthan a bedroom based upon the received indication of block 805, method800 may proceed to block 810. In the illustrated embodiment of method800, the bedroom is the only room type that is by default set to havethe nightlight feature disabled. It should be understood that, in otherembodiments, different and/or multiple types may, by default, have thenightlight feature disabled. While such a feature may, by default, bedisabled, it may be possible for user to enable the nightlight feature,such as via an online user account with which the hazard detector hasbeen linked.

Step 809 may only be performed if the hazard detector uses batteries asits sole power source. If a structure's power source is available, thehazard detector may obtain power from the structure's wired power sourceto provide conditional lighting. If the hazard detector is connectedwith the structure's power source, but the structure's power source isunavailable, block 809 may be performed. If only batteries are availablefor the hazard detector's power source, block 809 may be performed todetermine if the hazard detector's batteries have a sufficient charge toprovide conditional lighting. At block 809, the battery charge level isdetermined and compared to a threshold value. If above the thresholdvalue, a sufficient charge is present to continue using conditionallighting and method 800 may proceed to block 810. If below the thresholdvalue, the batteries have been determined to have a low charge andconditional lighting is disabled at block 808, at least until newbatteries are installed or the batteries are recharged.

Blocks 810, 820, and 830 may be performed similarly to blocks 710through 730 of method 700. In the illustrated embodiment of method 800,block 807 is performed prior to blocks 810 through 830. It should beunderstood that in other embodiments, block 807 may be performed aftermotion data and brightness data is gathered from the ambient environmentof the hazard detector. However, it may be beneficial to perform block807 prior to such blocks in order to reduce the amount of monitoring ofthe ambient environment of the hazard detector which needs to beperformed.

At block 850, stored illumination definitions may be accessed by thehazard detector. Such stored illumination definitions may be storedusing a non-transitory processor readable medium of the processingsystem of the hazard detector. For instance, referring to FIG. 6, anexemplary relationship between colors, animations, and states of thehazard detector is presented in the form of a table, such informationmay be stored in various formats other than a table by a hazarddetector. Such stored illumination definitions may be accessed toretrieve how a light of the hazard detector should be illuminated inresponse to the hazard detector not being installed in a bedroom, thebrightness level in the ambient environment being less than thethreshold brightness value, and motion being detected in the ambientenvironment. In some embodiments, accessing such stored illuminationdefinitions will yield an indication that the light of the hazarddetector should be faded on and faded off in the color used for thelight should be white.

At block 860, the light of the hazard detector may be activated.Activation of the light may be contingent on motion being detected inthe ambient environment of the hazard detector, the brightness levelhaving been determined to be less than the threshold brightness value,and the assigned room type being determined to not be a bedroom.Further, the animation color used to illuminate the light may becontingent on accessing the stored illumination definitions of block 850and retrieving indications of the proper color and animation to be used.As such, when illuminated, the light may serve as a nightlight when theroom in which the hazard detector is installed is dark and motion hasbeen detected. Because activation of the light is contingent on motionand a darkened environment, the nightlight feature is activated onlywhen it is likely needed by a user. Following activation at block 860,method 800 may repeat (such as, from block 810) until either the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector is no longer darker than thethreshold brightness value or motion is no longer detected in theambient environment of the hazard detector. At this time, the light ofthe hazard detector may cease illuminating for uses the nightlightfeature.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a method 900 for providingconditional lighting by a hazard detector contingent upon at least aninitial configuration of the hazard detector and user preferences.Method 900 may be performed using any of the embodiments of hazarddetectors detailed in relation to FIGS. 1 through 5. Further, it may bepossible that other embodiments of hazard detectors may be used toperform the blocks of method 900. Each block of method 900 may beunderstood as generally being performed by a hazard detector or acomponent of the hazard detector. Method 900 may represent a moredetailed embodiment of method 700 of FIG. 7 and/or method 800 of FIG. 8.As such, any or all blocks performed as part of method 700 and/or method800 may also be performed as part of method 900.

At block 905, initial configuration of the hazard detector may beperformed. Such an initial configuration may be performed using awireless communication connection between the hazard detector and thecomputerized wireless device. For instance, such a wirelesscommunication connection may be directly between the hazard detector andthe wireless device. In some embodiments, the hazard detector may createa wireless local area network connection for the computerized wirelessdevice to join. In other embodiments, configuration of the hazarddetector may occur from the wireless device via a wireless networkoperated by a router or other device that serves as an intermediarybetween the hazard detector in the computerized wireless device. Instill other embodiments, it may be possible to connect a computerizeddevice to the hazard detector via a wired connection. During such aninitial configuration, block 910 may be performed. block 910 may beperformed similarly to block 805 of method 800. Additionally, at block915, either during the initial configuration or at a later time, such asby accessing settings associated with the hazard detector via an onlineuser account, a user preference may be received that is indicative ofwhether the nightlight feature of the hazard detector should be enabledor disabled. As an example, if the type of room specified at block 910is a kitchen, by default, the nightlight feature may be enabled.However, the user may specify via a user preference that the nightlightfeature is to be disabled rather than enabled. As another example, ifthe type of room specified at block 910 is a bedroom, by default thenightlight feature may be disabled. However, the user may specify, via auser preference, that the nightlight feature is to be enabled ratherthan disabled.

At block 920, it may be determined whether motion is present in theambient environment of the hazard detector. A motion sensor or, moregenerally, a presence sensor may collect infrared light from theenvironment of the hazard detector to assess whether it is likely that auser is present or not. If not, method 900 may proceed from block 920 toblock 925. If motion is present, method 900 may proceed from block 920to block 930. In some embodiments, the ambient environment is monitoredfor motion regardless of the nightlight feature being enabled ordisabled. As such, even if the nightlight feature is disabled, thehazard detector may monitor for the user's presence. In someembodiments, the brightness level of the ambient environment of thehazard detector may not be monitored unless motion is determined to bepresent. As such, power may be saved by the hazard detector by notneeding to monitor the brightness level of the ambient environmentunless is likely that a user is in the ambient environment of the hazarddetector.

In some embodiments, block 920 may not be involved in determiningwhether the nightlight feature should be enabled. For instance, thehazard detector may still be determining if motion is present, but mayuse such a determination for other features of the hazard detector. Asillustrated by dotted line 941, whether motion is detected in theambient environment of the hazard detector may not be relevant towhether the nightlight feature is enabled. In some embodiments, a userpreference, which the user can set at the hazard detector viapreferences maintained by a remote server, is used to define whethermotion is used in determining whether the nightlight feature should beenabled. The ability to have the nightlight feature enabled regardlessof motion may be restricted to only hazard detectors that use a wired,structure power supply. Hazard detectors that rely solely on batterypower may not have such a preference available.

At block 930, a determination of whether the nightlight feature isenabled or disabled may be made. Such a determination may be contingenton the type of room indicated at block 910 and any user preference thatmay have been received at block 915. If no user preference was receivedat block 915, the default setting of whether the nightlight feature isenabled or disabled may be contingent on the type of room there wasreceived in the indication of block 910. If the nightlight feature isdisabled, method 900 may proceed to block 925. By default, thenightlight feature may be disabled for bedrooms but enabled for some orall other types of rooms. At block 925, the light of the hazard detectoris not illuminated for use as the nightlight feature. It should beunderstood, however, that the light may be illuminated for otherpurposes, such as to signal a hazard being present, such as smoke orcarbon monoxide.

If at block 930 it is determined that the nightlight feature is enabled,method 900 may proceed to block 935. blocks 935 and 940 may proceedsimilarly to blocks 710 and 730 of method 700. At block 935, indicationof a brightness level in the ambient environment of the hazard detectormay be received from a light sensor of the hazard detector by aprocessing system of the hazard detector. At block 940, it may bedetermined whether the brightness level in the ambient environment ofthe hazard detector is less than (and/or equal to) a thresholdbrightness value. If the brightness level is less than the thresholdbrightness value, method 900 may proceed to block 940. Otherwise, method900 may proceed to block 925. If block 940 is not to be performedbecause method 900 proceeded to block 925, the motion detector of thehazard detector may be disabled in some embodiments. That is, in someembodiments, the motion detector may only be enabled in specificsituations, such as when motion data is needed to determine whether thenightlight feature is to be activated. In other embodiments, the motiondetector may remain enabled, such as for use in relation to otherfeatures of the hazard detector.

In some embodiments, as part of block 930 or separately, a check of abattery charge level of the hazard detector may be performed. If thehazard detector is being powered off of the battery, the hazard detectormay disable the nightlight feature (and proceed to block 925) if thecharge level of the battery is below a threshold value. If the hazarddetector is actively being powered from a wired power supply of thestructure (structure power source), the nightlight feature may beenabled regardless of the battery charge level. If disabled due to lowcharge level of the hazard detector's one or more batteries, the hazarddetector may transmit a message to the remote server such that when theuser accesses the remote server via a computerized device, the user isinformed of the low battery level and, possibly, receives an indicationof why the nightlight feature is disabled.

At block 945, it may be determined whether a hazard alarm is active.Whenever a hazard alarm is active during method 900, the nightlightfeature may immediately be disabled such that the light may be used toalert the user to the presence of the hazard, such as by the light beingilluminated a different color and/or using a different animation atblock 950. For instance, if the nightlight feature involves the light ofthe hazard detector being illuminated using white light, if the hazardalarm is present, the light may be illuminated the color red and,possibly, a more urgent animation may be used for illuminating thelight. It should be understood that block 945 may be performed at anypoint throughout method 900. For instance, if the hazard is everdetected by any hazard sensor onboard the hazard detector, method 900may be interrupted and block 950 may be performed such that an auditoryalarm indicative of the hazard and a light color and animation is outputby the hazard detector's light that is also indicative of the alarm.

If no hazard alarm is active at block 945, method 900 may proceed toblock 955. At block 955, the light of the hazard detector may beactivated using the nightlight feature for at least a predefined periodof time, such as five seconds. Activation of the light may be contingenton motion being detected in the ambient environment of the hazarddetector, the brightness level having been determined to be less thanthe threshold brightness value, the nightlight feature being enabled,and no alarm sounding. Further, the animation color used to illuminatethe light may be contingent on accessing stored illumination definitionsand retrieving indication of the proper color and animation to be usedas detailed in relation to block 850 of method 800. When illuminated,the light may serve as a nightlight when the room in which the hazarddetector is installed is dark and motion has been detected. Becauseactivation of the light is contingent on motion and a darkenedenvironment, the nightlight feature is activated only when it is likelyneeded by a user. Following activation at block 955, method 900 mayrepeat such as, from block 920 (as indicated by arrow 956) or block 930,until either the ambient environment of the hazard detector is no longerdarker than the threshold brightness value or motion is no longerdetected in the ambient environment of the hazard detector. At whichtime, the light of the hazard detector may cease illuminating for thenightlight feature.

If arrow 956 has been performed once, such that the light has beenactivated, and a user's motion is no longer detected at block 920, afade out animation of the light may occur to transition to block 925.This fade out animation may result in the light slowly being faded tooff, such as over several seconds. If during this time period of thefade out animation motion of a user is again detected, the brightness ofthe light may be increased such that the light is again illuminated at aconstant brightness level.

Further, method 900 may involve the hazard detector periodicallyquerying a remote server to request a user account status at block 960.For instance, the hazard detector may query the remote server once perday. The user account status requested by the hazard detector may be ofa user account linked with the hazard detector during the initialconfiguration performed at block 905. In response to this query, thehazard detector may receive one or more messages at block 965. If a userhas updated a preference at the user account relevant to the hazarddetector, one or more of the messages received at block 965 may beindicative of the updated preference. For instance, if the userspecified to the remote server that the nightlight features is to bedisabled, at block 965 the hazard detector may receive a messageindicative of the nightlight feature being disabled. Additionally oralternatively, the user may specify a brightness level for thenightlight feature. For instance, the user may have the option ofselecting between a predefined number of brightness levels, such as low,medium, and high, or may be permitted to use a graphical sliderinterface to select a customized brightness level. In some embodiments,regardless of when the user updates such a preference or option, thehazard detector may not be updated until the next time that the hazarddetector queries the remote server. In some embodiments, the defaultbrightness level may be set based on whether the hazard detector isconnected to a structure's wired power supply or solely based on one ormore batteries of the hazard detector. Also, additionally oralternatively, the user may be able to indicate that the nightlightfeature should function independently of motion or a presence. As such,the light may illuminate based on the brightness level of the ambientenvironment of the hazard detector, but not based on whether motion or,more generally, a presence is detected.

The user can update his preferences at any time via a computerizeddevice and the remote server; however, the preference may not takeeffect until the hazard detector queries and retrieves the updatedpreferences. In some embodiments, the user may be able to cause thehazard detector to query the remote server by providing user input, suchas by actuating a button of the hazard detector. While the nightlightfeature may not be illuminated at block 925 if disabled based on a userpreference, the light of the hazard detector may still be used foroutputting light in other instances, such as during a hazard or toprovide an indication of status of the hazard detector. It is to beappreciated that while the described methods and systems for conditionalpathway lighting are particularly advantageous in view of the particulardevice context, in that hazard detectors represent important life safetydevices and are likely to be placed in many rooms around the house, andin that hazard detectors are likely to be well-positioned for viewingfrom many places in these rooms, and in that hazard detectors can beoutfitted quite readily integrated sensors and lights as describedherein, the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited. Rather,the described methods and systems for conditional pathway lighting arewidely applicable to any of a variety of smart-home devices such ascertain of those described in relation to FIG. 10 supra that may nothistorically have been purposed for such a function, including, but notlimited to, environmental sensors, motion sensors, occupancy sensors,remote controllers, key fob remote controllers, smart-home hubs,microphones, speakers, door sensors, window sensors, genericprogrammable wireless control buttons, and home service robots. Althoughwidely applicable for any of such smart-home devices, one or more of thedescribed methods and systems become increasingly advantageous whenapplied in the context of devices that may be located in relativelyreadily-viewable locations and/or well-traveled locations in the home.According to one embodiment, the user can be provided with a suite ofrelated smart-home devices, such as may be provided by a commonmanufacturer or group or badged to work with a common “ecosystem” ofthat manufacturer or group, wherein each of the devices, wherepracticable, provides a same or similar conditional pathway lightingfeature according to a visually similar scheme and theme such as thatdescribed herein, such that the user can be readily familiar with thefunction provided without needing to become accustomed to a differentscheme or theme for each device. Thus, by way of example, there can beprovided a suite of devices including a security/automation hub,multiple door/window sensors, and multiple hazard detectors, whereineach such device has light and motion sensors and a circularillumination ring (of different physical scales as needed) and performsconditional pathway lighting according to the themes and schemesdescribed herein. Having read this disclosure, one having skill in theart could apply the methods and systems of the present invention in thecontext of one or more of the above-described smart home devices.

Hazard detectors, as detailed herein, may be installed in a smart-homeenvironment. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a smart-home environment1000 within which one or more of the devices, methods, systems,services, and/or computer program products described further herein canbe applicable. The depicted smart-home environment 1000 includes astructure 1050, which can include, e.g., a house, office building,garage, or mobile home. It will be appreciated that devices can also beintegrated into a smart-home environment 1000 that does not include anentire structure 1050, such as an apartment, condominium, or officespace. Further, the smart home environment can control and/or be coupledto devices outside of the actual structure 1050. Indeed, several devicesin the smart home environment need not physically be within thestructure 1050 at all. For example, a device controlling a pool heateror irrigation system can be located outside of the structure 1050.

The depicted structure 1050 includes a plurality of rooms 1052,separated at least partly from each other via walls 1054. The walls 1054can include interior walls or exterior walls. Each room can furtherinclude a floor 1056 and a ceiling 1058. Devices can be mounted on,integrated with and/or supported by a wall 1054, floor 1056 or ceiling1058.

In some embodiments, the smart-home environment 1000 of FIG. 10 includesa plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing,network-connected devices, that can integrate seamlessly with each otherand/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide anyof a variety of useful smart-home objectives. The smart-home environment1000 may include one or more intelligent, multi-sensing,network-connected thermostats 1002 (hereinafter referred to as smartthermostats 1002), one or more intelligent, network-connected, hazarddetectors 1004, and one or more intelligent, multi-sensing,network-connected entryway interface devices 1006 (hereinafter referredto as “smart doorbells 1006”). According to embodiments, the smartthermostat 1002 detects ambient climate characteristics (e.g.,temperature and/or humidity) and controls a HVAC system 1003accordingly. The hazard detector 1004 may detect the presence of ahazardous substance or a substance indicative of a hazardous substance(e.g., smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide). The smart doorbell 1006 maydetect a person's approach to or departure from a location (e.g., anouter door), control doorbell functionality, announce a person'sapproach or departure via audio or visual means, or control settings ona security system (e.g., to activate or deactivate the security systemwhen occupants go and come).

In some embodiments, the smart-home environment 1000 of FIG. 10 furtherincludes one or more intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected wallswitches 1008 (hereinafter referred to as “smart wall switches 1008”),along with one or more intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connectedwall plug interfaces 1010 (hereinafter referred to as “smart wall plugs1010”). The smart wall switches 1008 may detect ambient lightingconditions, detect room-occupancy states, and control a power and/or dimstate of one or more lights. In some instances, smart wall switches 1008may also control a power state or speed of a fan, such as a ceiling fan.The smart wall plugs 1010 may detect occupancy of a room or enclosureand control supply of power to one or more wall plugs (e.g., such thatpower is not supplied to the plug if nobody is at home).

Still further, in some embodiments, the smart-home environment 1000 ofFIG. 10 includes a plurality of intelligent, multi-sensing,network-connected appliances 1012 (hereinafter referred to as “smartappliances 1012”), such as refrigerators, stoves and/or ovens,televisions, washers, dryers, lights, stereos, intercom systems,garage-door openers, floor fans, ceiling fans, wall air conditioners,pool heaters, irrigation systems, security systems, and so forth.According to embodiments, the network-connected appliances 1012 are madecompatible with the smart-home environment by cooperating with therespective manufacturers of the appliances. For example, the appliancescan be space heaters, window AC units, motorized duct vents, etc. Whenplugged in, an appliance can announce itself to the smart-home network,such as by indicating what type of appliance it is, and it canautomatically integrate with the controls of the smart-home. Suchcommunication by the appliance to the smart home can be facilitated byany wired or wireless communication protocols known by those havingordinary skill in the art. The smart home also can include a variety ofnon-communicating legacy appliances 1040, such as old conventionalwasher/dryers, refrigerators, and the like which can be controlled,albeit coarsely (ON/OFF), by virtue of the smart wall plugs 1010. Thesmart-home environment 1000 can further include a variety of partiallycommunicating legacy appliances 1042, such as infrared (“IR”) controlledwall air conditioners or other IR-controlled devices, which can becontrolled by IR signals provided by the hazard detectors 1004 or thesmart wall switches 1008.

According to embodiments, the smart thermostats 1002, the hazarddetectors 1004, the smart doorbells 1006, the smart wall switches 1008,the smart wall plugs 1010, and other devices of the smart-homeenvironment 1000 are modular and can be incorporated into older and newhouses. For example, the devices are designed around a modular platformconsisting of two basic components: a head unit and a back plate, whichis also referred to as a docking station. Multiple configurations of thedocking station are provided so as to be compatible with any home, suchas older and newer homes. However, all of the docking stations include astandard head-connection arrangement, such that any head unit can beremovably attached to any docking station. Thus, in some embodiments,the docking stations are interfaces that serve as physical connectionsto the structure and the voltage wiring of the homes, and theinterchangeable head units contain all of the sensors, processors, userinterfaces, the batteries, and other functional components of thedevices.

The smart-home environment 1000 may also include communication withdevices outside of the physical home but within a proximate geographicalrange of the home. For example, the smart-home environment 1000 mayinclude a pool heater monitor 1014 that communicates a current pooltemperature to other devices within the smart-home environment 1000 orreceives commands for controlling the pool temperature. Similarly, thesmart-home environment 1000 may include an irrigation monitor 1016 thatcommunicates information regarding irrigation systems within thesmart-home environment 1000 and/or receives control information forcontrolling such irrigation systems. According to embodiments, analgorithm is provided for considering the geographic location of thesmart-home environment 1000, such as based on the zip code or geographiccoordinates of the home. The geographic information is then used toobtain data helpful for determining optimal times for watering; suchdata may include sun location information, temperature, due point, soiltype of the land on which the home is located, etc.

By virtue of network connectivity, one or more of the smart-home devicesof FIG. 10 can further allow a user to interact with the device even ifthe user is not proximate to the device. For example, a user cancommunicate with a device using a computer (e.g., a desktop computer,laptop computer, or tablet) or other portable electronic device (e.g., asmartphone) 1066. A webpage or app can be configured to receivecommunications from the user and control the device based on thecommunications and/or to present information about the device'soperation to the user. For example, the user can view a current setpointtemperature for a device and adjust it, using a computer. The user canbe in the structure during this remote communication or outside thestructure.

As discussed, users can control and interact with the smart thermostat,hazard detectors 1004, and other smart devices in the smart-homeenvironment 1000 using a network-connected computer or portableelectronic device 1066. In some examples, some or all of the occupants(e.g., individuals who live in the home) can register their device 1066with the smart-home environment 1000. Such registration can be made at acentral server to authenticate the occupant and/or the device as beingassociated with the home and to give permission to the occupant to usethe device to control the smart devices in the home. An occupant can usehis registered device 1066 to remotely control the smart devices of thehome, such as when the occupant is at work or on vacation. The occupantmay also use his registered device to control the smart devices when theoccupant is actually located inside the home, such as when the occupantis sitting on a couch inside the home. It should be appreciated that,instead of or in addition to registering devices 1066, the smart-homeenvironment 1000 makes inferences about which individuals live in thehome and are therefore occupants and which devices 1066 are associatedwith those individuals. As such, the smart-home environment “learns” whois an occupant and permits the devices 1066 associated with thoseindividuals to control the smart devices of the home.

In some embodiments, in addition to containing processing and sensingcapabilities, each of the devices 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012,1014, and 1016 (collectively referred to as “the smart devices”) iscapable of data communications and information sharing with any other ofthe smart devices, as well as to any central server or cloud-computingsystem or any other device that is network-connected anywhere in theworld. The required data communications can be carried out using any ofa variety of custom or standard wireless protocols (Wi-Fi, ZigBee,6LoWPAN, etc.) and/or any of a variety of custom or standard wiredprotocols (CAT6 Ethernet, HomePlug, etc.)

According to embodiments, all or some of the smart devices can serve aswireless or wired repeaters. For example, a first one of the smartdevices can communicate with a second one of the smart devices via awireless router 1060. The smart devices can further communicate witheach other via a connection to a network, such as the Internet 1099.Through the Internet 1099, the smart devices can communicate with acloud-computing system 1064, which can include one or more centralizedor distributed server systems. The cloud-computing system 1064 can beassociated with a manufacturer, support entity, or service providerassociated with the device. For one embodiment, a user may be able tocontact customer support using a device itself rather than needing touse other communication means such as a telephone or Internet-connectedcomputer. Further, software updates can be automatically sent fromcloud-computing system 1064 to devices (e.g., when available, whenpurchased, or at routine intervals).

According to embodiments, the smart devices combine to create a meshnetwork of spokesman and low-power nodes in the smart-home environment1000, where some of the smart devices are “spokesman” nodes and othersare “low-powered” nodes. Some of the smart devices in the smart-homeenvironment 1000 are battery powered, while others have a regular andreliable power source, such as by connecting to wiring (e.g., to 120Vline voltage wires) behind the walls 1054 of the smart-home environment.The smart devices that have a regular and reliable power source arereferred to as “spokesman” nodes. These nodes are equipped with thecapability of using any wireless protocol or manner to facilitatebidirectional communication with any of a variety of other devices inthe smart-home environment 1000 as well as with the cloud-computingsystem 1064. On the other hand, the devices that are battery powered arereferred to as “low-power” nodes. These nodes tend to be smaller thanspokesman nodes and can only communicate using wireless protocols thatrequire very little power, such as Zigbee, 6LoWPAN, etc. Further, some,but not all, low-power nodes are incapable of bidirectionalcommunication. These low-power nodes send messages, but they are unableto “listen”. Thus, other devices in the smart-home environment 1000,such as the spokesman nodes, cannot send information to these low-powernodes.

As described, the smart devices serve as low-power and spokesman nodesto create a mesh network in the smart-home environment 1000. Individuallow-power nodes in the smart-home environment regularly send outmessages regarding what they are sensing, and the other low-powerednodes in the smart-home environment—in addition to sending out their ownmessages—repeat the messages, thereby causing the messages to travelfrom node to node (i.e., device to device) throughout the smart-homeenvironment 1000. The spokesman nodes in the smart-home environment 1000are able to “drop down” to low-powered communication protocols toreceive these messages, translate the messages to other communicationprotocols, and send the translated messages to other spokesman nodesand/or cloud-computing system 1064. Thus, the low-powered nodes usinglow-power communication protocols are able to send messages across theentire smart-home environment 1000 as well as over the Internet 1099 tocloud-computing system 1064. According to embodiments, the mesh networkenables cloud-computing system 1064 to regularly receive data from allof the smart devices in the home, make inferences based on the data, andsend commands back to one of the smart devices to accomplish some of thesmart-home objectives described herein.

As described, the spokesman nodes and some of the low-powered nodes arecapable of “listening.” Accordingly, users, other devices, andcloud-computing system 1064 can communicate controls to the low-powerednodes. For example, a user can use the portable electronic device (e.g.,a smartphone) 1066 to send commands over the Internet 1099 tocloud-computing system 1064, which then relays the commands to thespokesman nodes in the smart-home environment 1000. The spokesman nodesdrop down to a low-power protocol to communicate the commands to thelow-power nodes throughout the smart-home environment, as well as toother spokesman nodes that did not receive the commands directly fromthe cloud-computing system 1064.

An example of a low-power node is a smart nightlight 1070. In additionto housing a light source, the smart nightlight 1070 houses an occupancysensor, such as an ultrasonic or passive IR sensor, and an ambient lightsensor, such as a photoresistor or a single-pixel sensor that measureslight in the room. In some embodiments, the smart nightlight 1070 isconfigured to activate the light source when its ambient light sensordetects that the room is dark and when its occupancy sensor detects thatsomeone is in the room. In other embodiments, the smart nightlight 1070is simply configured to activate the light source when its ambient lightsensor detects that the room is dark. Further, according to embodiments,the smart nightlight 1070 includes a low-power wireless communicationchip (e.g., ZigBee chip) that regularly sends out messages regarding theoccupancy of the room and the amount of light in the room, includinginstantaneous messages coincident with the occupancy sensor detectingthe presence of a person in the room. As mentioned above, these messagesmay be sent wirelessly, using the mesh network, from node to node (i.e.,smart device to smart device) within the smart-home environment 1000 aswell as over the Internet 1099 to cloud-computing system 1064.

Other examples of low-powered nodes include battery-operated versions ofthe hazard detectors 1004. These hazard detectors 1004 are often locatedin an area without access to constant and reliable (e.g., structural)power and, as discussed in detail below, may include any number and typeof sensors, such as smoke/fire/heat sensors, carbon monoxide/dioxidesensors, occupancy/motion sensors, ambient light sensors, temperaturesensors, humidity sensors, and the like. Furthermore, hazard detectors1004 can send messages that correspond to each of the respective sensorsto the other devices and cloud-computing system 1064, such as by usingthe mesh network as described above.

Examples of spokesman nodes include smart doorbells 1006, smartthermostats 1002, smart wall switches 1008, and smart wall plugs 1010.These devices 1002, 1006, 1008, and 1010 are often located near andconnected to a reliable power source, and therefore can include morepower-consuming components, such as one or more communication chipscapable of bidirectional communication in any variety of protocols.

In some embodiments, the mesh network of low-powered and spokesman nodescan be used to provide exit lighting in the event of an emergency. Insome instances, to facilitate this, users provide pre-configurationinformation that indicates exit routes in the smart-home environment1000. For example, for each room in the house, the user provides a mapof the best exit route. It should be appreciated that instead of a userproviding this information, cloud-computing system 1064 or some otherdevice could automatically determine the routes using uploaded maps,diagrams, architectural drawings of the smart-home house, as well asusing a map generated based on positional information obtained from thenodes of the mesh network (e.g., positional information from the devicesis used to construct a map of the house). In operation, when an alarm isactivated (e.g., when one or more of the hazard detectors 1004 detectsmoke and activates an alarm), cloud-computing system 1064 or some otherdevice uses occupancy information obtained from the low-powered andspokesman nodes to determine which rooms are occupied and then turns onlights (e.g., smart nightlights 1070, wall switches 1008, smart wallplugs 1010 that power lamps, etc.) along the exit routes from theoccupied rooms so as to provide emergency exit lighting.

Further included and illustrated in the exemplary smart-home environment1000 of FIG. 10 are service robots 1062, each configured to carry out,in an autonomous manner, any of a variety of household tasks. For someembodiments, the service robots 1062 can be respectively configured toperform floor sweeping, floor washing, etc. in a manner similar to thatof known commercially available devices such as the Roomba™ and Scooba™products sold by iRobot, Inc. of Bedford, Mass. Tasks such as floorsweeping and floor washing can be considered as “away” or “while-away”tasks for purposes of the instant description, as it is generally moredesirable for these tasks to be performed when the occupants are notpresent. For other embodiments, one or more of the service robots 1062are configured to perform tasks such as playing music for an occupant,serving as a localized thermostat for an occupant, serving as alocalized air monitor/purifier for an occupant, serving as a localizedbaby monitor, serving as a localized hazard detector for an occupant,and so forth, it being generally more desirable for such tasks to becarried out in the immediate presence of the human occupant. Forpurposes of the instant description, such tasks can be considered as“human-facing” or “human-centric” tasks.

When serving as a localized air monitor/purifier for an occupant, aparticular service robot 1062 can be considered to be facilitating whatcan be called a “personal health-area network” for the occupant, withthe objective being to keep the air quality in the occupant's immediatespace at healthy levels. Alternatively or in conjunction therewith,other health-related functions can be provided, such as monitoring thetemperature or heart rate of the occupant (e.g., using finely remotesensors, near-field communication with on-person monitors, etc.). Whenserving as a localized hazard detector for an occupant, a particularservice robot 1062 can be considered to be facilitating what can becalled a “personal safety-area network” for the occupant, with theobjective being to ensure there is no excessive carbon monoxide, smoke,fire, etc., in the immediate space of the occupant. Methods analogous tothose described above for personal comfort-area networks in terms ofoccupant identifying and tracking are likewise applicable for personalhealth-area network and personal safety-area network embodiments.

According to some embodiments, the above-referenced facilitation ofpersonal comfort-area networks, personal health-area networks, personalsafety-area networks, and/or other such human-facing functionalities ofthe service robots 1062, are further enhanced by logical integrationwith other smart sensors in the home according to rules-basedinferencing techniques or artificial intelligence techniques forachieving better performance of those human-facing functionalitiesand/or for achieving those goals in energy-conserving or otherresource-conserving ways. Thus, for one embodiment relating to personalhealth-area networks, the air monitor/purifier service robot 1062 can beconfigured to detect whether a household pet is moving toward thecurrently settled location of the occupant (e.g., using on-board sensorsand/or by data communications with other smart-home sensors along withrules-based inferencing/artificial intelligence techniques), and if so,the air purifying rate is immediately increased in preparation for thearrival of more airborne pet dander. For another embodiment relating topersonal safety-area networks, the hazard detector service robot 1062can be advised by other smart-home sensors that the temperature andhumidity levels are rising in the kitchen, which is nearby theoccupant's current dining room location, and responsive to thisadvisory, the hazard detector service robot 1062 will temporarily raisea hazard detection threshold, such as a smoke detection threshold, underan inference that any small increases in ambient smoke levels will mostlikely be due to cooking activity and not due to a genuinely hazardouscondition.

FIG. 11 illustrates a network-level view of an extensible devices andservices platform 1100 with which a plurality of smart-homeenvironments, such as the smart-home environment 1000 of FIG. 10, can beintegrated. The extensible devices and services platform 1100 includescloud-computing system 1064. Each of the intelligent, network-connecteddevices 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012, 1014, and 1016 from FIG. 10may communicate with cloud-computing system 1064. For example, aconnection to the Internet 1099 can be established either directly (forexample, using 3G/4G connectivity to a wireless carrier), through ahubbed network 1112 (which can be a scheme ranging from a simplewireless router, for example, up to and including an intelligent,dedicated whole-home control node), or through any combination thereof.

Although in some examples provided herein, the devices and servicesplatform 1100 communicates with and collects data from the smart devicesof smart-home environment 1000 of FIG. 10, it should be appreciated thatthe devices and services platform 1100 communicates with and collectsdata from a plurality of smart-home environments across the world. Forexample, cloud-computing system 1064 can collect home data 1102 from thedevices of one or more smart-home environments, where the devices canroutinely transmit home data or can transmit home data in specificinstances (e.g., when a device queries the home data 1102). Thus, thedevices and services platform 1100 routinely collects data from homesacross the world. As described, the collected home data 1102 includes,for example, power consumption data, occupancy data, HVAC settings andusage data, carbon monoxide levels data, carbon dioxide levels data,volatile organic compounds levels data, sleeping schedule data, cookingschedule data, inside and outside temperature humidity data, televisionviewership data, inside and outside noise level data, etc.

Cloud-computing system 1064 can further provide one or more services1104. The services 1104 can include, e.g., software updates, customersupport, sensor data collection/logging, remote access, remote ordistributed control, or use suggestions (e.g., based on collected homedata 1102 to improve performance, reduce utility cost, etc.). Dataassociated with the services 1104 can be stored at cloud-computingsystem 1064 and cloud-computing system 1064 can retrieve and transmitthe data at an appropriate time (e.g., at regular intervals, uponreceiving a request from a user, etc.).

As part of services 1104, user accounts may be maintained by thecloud-computing system 1064. The user account may store subscriptioninformation, billing information, registration information, userpreferences, and/or other data associated with various smart-homedevices, such as one or more hazard detectors, installed within astructure that is linked with a user account. Occasionally, attention ofa user to his or her user account may be requested. In response to aquery from hazard detector 1150 (or other smart-home device), a messagemay be transmitted by the cloud-computing system 1064 to hazard detector1150 (which may represent any of the previously described hazarddetectors) indicating that a status output by hazard detector 1150should indicate that a user is requested to log in to his or her useraccount. Further detail regarding the requested log may be transmittedby service 1104 to hazard detector 1150. For instance, the reason forthe requested login may be expired payment information (such as anexpired credit card). The user can request detail on a status output byhazard detector 1150, which may be presented to the user as a color andanimation output via a light of hazard detector 1150. The request fordetail may be by performing a gesture within the vicinity of hazarddetector 1150. A spoken message may then be output by hazard detector1150, indicating that the user is requested to log in to his account andmay also indicate the reason of the payment information needing to beupdated. As such, a status check performed by hazard detector 1150 maynot only check the status of hazard detector 1150 itself, but also thestate of a remotely-maintained user account.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, an embodiment of the extensible devices andservices platform 1100 includes a processing engine 1106, which can beconcentrated at a single server or distributed among several differentcomputing entities without limitation. The processing engine 1106 caninclude computerized engines (e.g., software executed by hardware)configured to receive data from devices of smart-home environments(e.g., via the Internet or a hubbed network), to index the data, toanalyze the data and/or to generate statistics based on the analysis oras part of the analysis. The analyzed data can be stored as derived homedata 1108.

Results of the analysis or statistics can thereafter be transmitted backto the device that provided home data used to derive the results, toother devices, to a server providing a webpage to a user of the device,or to other non-device entities. For example, use statistics, usestatistics relative to use of other devices, use patterns, and/orstatistics summarizing sensor readings can be generated by theprocessing engine 1106 and transmitted. The results or statistics can beprovided via the Internet 1099. In this manner, the processing engine1106 can be configured and programmed to derive a variety of usefulinformation from the home data 1102. A single server can include one ormore engines.

In some embodiments, to encourage innovation and research and toincrease products and services available to users, the devices andservices platform 1100 exposes a range of application programminginterfaces (APIs) 1110 to third parties, such as charities, governmentalentities (e.g., the Food and Drug Administration or the EnvironmentalProtection Agency), academic institutions (e.g., universityresearchers), businesses (e.g., providing device warranties or serviceto related equipment, targeting advertisements based on home data),utility companies, and other third parties. The APIs 1110 may be coupledto and permit third-party systems to communicate with cloud-computingsystem 1064, including the services 1104, the processing engine 1106,the home data 1102, and the derived home data 1108. For example, theAPIs 1110 allow applications executed by the third parties to initiatespecific data processing tasks that are executed by cloud-computingsystem 1064, as well as to receive dynamic updates to the home data 1102and the derived home data 1108.

Account alert engine may serve to determine whether a hazard detectorshould provide an indication that the user's account requires attention.For instance, account alert engine 1105 may periodically assess thestate of a user's account, such as whether settings need updating,whether payment information is up-to-date, whether one or more messagesare pending, whether payment is due, etc. If user attention is required,upon a request being received from a hazard detector and a look-up ofthe user's account being performed, account alert engine may respondwith an indication that the user account requires attention. Additionaldetail may also be provided such that if the user performs a gesture orotherwise requests additional detail, such detail can be provided, suchas via an auditory message. If user attention is not required, upon arequest being received from a hazard detector and a look-up of theuser's account being performed (e.g., by determining an accountassociated with the hazard detector from which the request wasreceived), account alert engine may respond with an indication that theuser account does not require attention.

FIG. 1200 illustrates an abstracted functional view of the extensibledevices and services platform 1100 of FIG. 11, with particular referenceto the processing engine 1106 as well as devices, such as those of thesmart-home environment 1000 of FIG. 10. Even though devices situated insmart-home environments will have an endless variety of differentindividual capabilities and limitations, they can all be thought of assharing common characteristics in that each of them is a data consumer1265 (DC), a data source 1266 (DS), a services consumer 1267 (SC), and aservices source 1268 (SS). Advantageously, in addition to providing theessential control information needed for the devices to achieve theirlocal and immediate objectives, the extensible devices and servicesplatform 1100 can also be configured to harness the large amount of datathat is flowing out of these devices. In addition to enhancing oroptimizing the actual operation of the devices themselves with respectto their immediate functions, the extensible devices and servicesplatform 1100 can be directed to “repurposing” that data in a variety ofautomated, extensible, flexible, and/or scalable ways to achieve avariety of useful objectives. These objectives may be predefined oradaptively identified based on, e.g., usage patterns, device efficiency,and/or user input (e.g., requesting specific functionality).

For example, FIG. 12 shows processing engine 1106 as including a numberof paradigms 1271. Processing engine 1106 can include a managed servicesparadigm 1271 a that monitors and manages primary or secondary devicefunctions. The device functions can include ensuring proper operation ofa device given user inputs, estimating that (e.g., and responding to aninstance in which) an intruder is or is attempting to be in a dwelling,detecting a failure of equipment coupled to the device (e.g., a lightbulb having burned out), implementing or otherwise responding to energydemand response events, or alerting a user of a current or predictedfuture event or characteristic. Processing engine 1106 can furtherinclude an advertising/communication paradigm 1271 b that estimatescharacteristics (e.g., demographic information), desires and/or productsof interest of a user based on device usage. Services, promotions,products or upgrades can then be offered or automatically provided tothe user. Processing engine 1106 can further include a social paradigm1271 c that uses information from a social network, provides informationto a social network (for example, based on device usage), and/orprocesses data associated with user and/or device interactions with thesocial network platform. For example, a user's status as reported to histrusted contacts on the social network could be updated to indicate whenhe is home based on light detection, security system inactivation ordevice usage detectors. As another example, a user may be able to sharedevice-usage statistics with other users. In yet another example, a usermay share HVAC settings that result in low power bills and other usersmay download the HVAC settings to their smart thermostat 1002 to reducetheir power bills.

The processing engine 1106 can include achallenges/rules/compliance/rewards paradigm 1271 d that informs a userof challenges, competitions, rules, compliance regulations and/orrewards and/or that uses operation data to determine whether a challengehas been met, a rule or regulation has been complied with and/or areward has been earned. The challenges, rules or regulations can relateto efforts to conserve energy, to live safely (e.g., reducing exposureto toxins or carcinogens), to conserve money and/or equipment life, toimprove health, etc. For example, one challenge may involve participantsturning down their thermostat by one degree for one week. Those thatsuccessfully complete the challenge are rewarded, such as by coupons,virtual currency, status, etc. Regarding compliance, an example involvesa rental-property owner making a rule that no renters are permitted toaccess certain owner's rooms. The devices in the room having occupancysensors could send updates to the owner when the room is accessed.

The processing engine 1106 can integrate or otherwise utilize extrinsicinformation 1273 from extrinsic sources to improve the functioning ofone or more processing paradigms. Extrinsic information 1273 can be usedto interpret data received from a device, to determine a characteristicof the environment near the device (e.g., outside a structure that thedevice is enclosed in), to determine services or products available tothe user, to identify a social network or social-network information, todetermine contact information of entities (e.g., public-service entitiessuch as an emergency-response team, the police or a hospital) near thedevice, etc., to identify statistical or environmental conditions,trends or other information associated with a home or neighborhood, andso forth.

An extraordinary range and variety of benefits can be brought about by,and fit within the scope of, the described extensible devices andservices platform 1100, ranging from the ordinary to the profound. Thus,in one “ordinary” example, each bedroom of the smart-home environment1000 can be provided with a smart wall switch 1008, a smart wall plug1010, and/or smart hazard detectors 1004, all or some of which includean occupancy sensor, wherein the occupancy sensor is also capable ofinferring (e.g., by virtue of motion detection, facial recognition,audible sound patterns, etc.) whether the occupant is asleep or awake.If a serious fire event is sensed, the remote security/monitoringservice or fire department is advised of how many occupants there are ineach bedroom, and whether those occupants are still asleep (or immobile)or whether they have properly evacuated the bedroom. While this is, ofcourse, a very advantageous capability accommodated by the describedextensible devices and services platform, there can be substantiallymore “profound” examples that can truly illustrate the potential of alarger “intelligence” that can be made available. By way of perhaps amore “profound” example, the same bedroom occupancy data that is beingused for fire safety can also be “repurposed” by the processing engine1106 in the context of a social paradigm of neighborhood childdevelopment and education. Thus, for example, the same bedroom occupancyand motion data discussed in the “ordinary” example can be collected andmade available (properly anonymized) for processing in which the sleeppatterns of schoolchildren in a particular ZIP code can be identifiedand tracked. Localized variations in the sleeping patterns of theschoolchildren may be identified and correlated, for example, todifferent nutrition programs in local schools.

With reference to FIG. 13, an embodiment of a special-purpose computersystem 1300 is shown. For example, one or more intelligent components,processing system 110 and components thereof may be a special-purposecomputer system 1300. Such a special-purpose computer system 1300 may beincorporated as part of a hazard detector and/or any of the othercomputerized devices discussed herein, such as a remote server, smartthermostat, or network. The above methods may be implemented bycomputer-program products that direct a computer system to perform theactions of the above-described methods and components. Each suchcomputer-program product may comprise sets of instructions (codes)embodied on a computer-readable medium that direct the processor of acomputer system to perform corresponding actions. The instructions maybe configured to run in sequential order, or in parallel (such as underdifferent processing threads), or in a combination thereof. Afterloading the computer-program products on a general purpose computersystem 1326, it is transformed into the special-purpose computer system1300.

Special-purpose computer system 1300 comprises a computer 1302, amonitor 1306 coupled to computer 1302, one or more additional useroutput devices 1330 (optional) coupled to computer 1302, one or moreuser input devices 1340 (e.g., keyboard, mouse, track ball, touchscreen) coupled to computer 1302, an optional communications interface1350 coupled to computer 1302, a computer-program product 1305 stored ina tangible computer-readable memory in computer 1302. Computer-programproduct 1305 directs computer system 1300 to perform the above-describedmethods. Computer 1302 may include one or more processors 1360 thatcommunicate with a number of peripheral devices via a bus subsystem1390. These peripheral devices may include user output device(s) 1330,user input device(s) 1340, communications interface 1350, and a storagesubsystem, such as random access memory (RAM) 1370 and non-volatilestorage drive 1380 (e.g., disk drive, optical drive, solid state drive),which are forms of tangible computer-readable memory.

Computer-program product 1305 may be stored in non-volatile storagedrive 1380 or another computer-readable medium accessible to computer1302 and loaded into random access memory (RAM) 1370. Each processor1360 may comprise a microprocessor, such as a microprocessor from Intel®or Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.®, or the like. To supportcomputer-program product 1305, the computer 1302 runs an operatingsystem that handles the communications of computer-program product 1305with the above-noted components, as well as the communications betweenthe above-noted components in support of the computer-program product1305. Exemplary operating systems include Windows® or the like fromMicrosoft Corporation, Solaris® from Sun Microsystems, LINUX, UNIX, andthe like.

User input devices 1340 include all possible types of devices andmechanisms to input information to computer 1302. These may include akeyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a scanner, a digital drawing pad, a touchscreen incorporated into the display, audio input devices such as voicerecognition systems, microphones, and other types of input devices. Invarious embodiments, user input devices 1340 are typically embodied as acomputer mouse, a trackball, a track pad, a joystick, wireless remote, adrawing tablet, a voice command system. User input devices 1340typically allow a user to select objects, icons, text and the like thatappear on the monitor 1306 via a command such as a click of a button orthe like. User output devices 1330 include all possible types of devicesand mechanisms to output information from computer 1302. These mayinclude a display (e.g., monitor 1306), printers, non-visual displayssuch as audio output devices, etc.

Communications interface 1350 provides an interface to othercommunication networks, such as communication network 1395, and devicesand may serve as an interface to receive data from and transmit data toother systems, WANs and/or the Internet. Embodiments of communicationsinterface 1350 typically include an Ethernet card, a modem (telephone,satellite, cable, ISDN), a (asynchronous) digital subscriber line (DSL)unit, a FireWire® interface, a USB® interface, a wireless networkadapter, and the like. For example, communications interface 1350 may becoupled to a computer network, to a FireWire® bus, or the like. In otherembodiments, communications interface 1350 may be physically integratedon the motherboard of computer 1302, and/or may be a software program,or the like.

RAM 1370 and non-volatile storage drive 1380 are examples of tangiblecomputer-readable media configured to store data such ascomputer-program product embodiments of the present invention, includingexecutable computer code, human-readable code, or the like. Other typesof tangible computer-readable media include floppy disks, removable harddisks, optical storage media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, bar codes,semiconductor memories such as flash memories, read-only-memories(ROMs), battery-backed volatile memories, networked storage devices, andthe like. RAM 1370 and non-volatile storage drive 1380 may be configuredto store the basic programming and data constructs that provide thefunctionality of various embodiments of the present invention, asdescribed above.

Software instruction sets that provide the functionality of the presentinvention may be stored in RAM 1370 and non-volatile storage drive 1380.These instruction sets or code may be executed by the processor(s) 1360.RAM 1370 and non-volatile storage drive 1380 may also provide arepository to store data and data structures used in accordance with thepresent invention. RAM 1370 and non-volatile storage drive 1380 mayinclude a number of memories including a main random access memory (RAM)to store instructions and data during program execution and a read-onlymemory (ROM) in which fixed instructions are stored. RAM 1370 andnon-volatile storage drive 1380 may include a file storage subsystemproviding persistent (non-volatile) storage of program and/or datafiles. RAM 1370 and non-volatile storage drive 1380 may also includeremovable storage systems, such as removable flash memory.

Bus subsystem 1390 provides a mechanism to allow the various componentsand subsystems of computer 1302 to communicate with each other asintended. Although bus subsystem 1390 is shown schematically as a singlebus, alternative embodiments of the bus subsystem may utilize multiplebusses or communication paths within the computer 1302.

It should be noted that the methods, systems, and devices discussedabove are intended merely to be examples. It must be stressed thatvarious embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures orcomponents as appropriate. For instance, it should be appreciated that,in alternative embodiments, the methods may be performed in an orderdifferent from that described, and that various steps may be added,omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to certainembodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Differentaspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similarmanner. Also, it should be emphasized that technology evolves and, thus,many of the elements are examples and should not be interpreted to limitthe scope of the invention.

Specific details are given in the description to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practicedwithout these specific details. For example, well-known, processes,structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail inorder to avoid obscuring the embodiments. This description providesexample embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope,applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the precedingdescription of the embodiments will provide those skilled in the artwith an enabling description for implementing embodiments of theinvention. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangementof elements without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a processwhich is depicted as a flow diagram or block diagram. Although each maydescribe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operationscan be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order ofthe operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional stepsnot included in the figure.

Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those ofskill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of theinvention. For example, the above elements may merely be a component ofa larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over orotherwise modify the application of the invention. Also, a number ofsteps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements areconsidered. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken aslimiting the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A smart device, comprising: a case; a wireless interface within the case; a light sensor that detects an ambient brightness level of an ambient environment of the smart device; a motion sensor that detects motion of a user in the ambient environment of the smart device; a light that is capable of outputting light into the ambient environment of the smart device; and a processing system within the case, the processing system being in communication with the wireless interface, the motion sensor, the light sensor, and the light, the processing system comprising at least one processor and being configured to: receive, via the wireless interface, a message indicating that a lighting feature that provides illumination based on movement and the ambient brightness level has been activated; receive an indication of the ambient brightness level in the ambient environment of the smart device as sensed by the light sensor; determine that the ambient brightness level is less than a threshold brightness value; receive information from the motion sensor indicative of the user moving in the ambient environment of the smart device; and cause the light to illuminate based on all of the following conditions being present: (1) the message having been received that indicates that the lighting feature has been activated; (2) the ambient brightness level being below the threshold brightness value; and (3) the user moving in the ambient environment of the smart device.
 2. The smart device of claim 1, further comprising a smoke sensor within the case, wherein the smart device is a smoke detector.
 3. The smart device of claim 2, wherein the processing system is further configured to disable the lighting feature when an alarm based on smoke being detected by the smoke sensor is active.
 4. The smart device of claim 3, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the light to output light in a different color, animation pattern, or both than the lighting feature when the alarm is active.
 5. The smart device of claim 1, further comprising a carbon monoxide sensor within the case, wherein the smart device is a carbon monoxide detector.
 6. The smart device of claim 5, wherein the processing system is further configured to disable the lighting feature when an alarm based on carbon monoxide being detected by the carbon monoxide sensor is active.
 7. The smart device of claim 6, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the light to output light in a different color, animation pattern, or both than the lighting feature when the alarm is active.
 8. The smart device of claim 1, further comprises a presence detector that captures images.
 9. The smart device of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor, wherein the smart device is a thermostat.
 10. The smart device of claim 1, further comprising a doorbell, wherein the smart device is a smart doorbell.
 11. The smart device of claim 1, further comprising: a smoke sensor and a carbon monoxide sensor, wherein the smart device is a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
 12. A smart illumination system comprising: an application executed by a portable electronic device, wherein the application is configured to cause the portable electronic device to: receive an indication that a lighting feature that provides illumination from a smart device based on movement and an ambient brightness level in an ambient environment of the smart device has been activated; and transmit a message indicating that the lighting feature has been activated, wherein the smart device is configured to: receive the message indicating that the ambient brightness level in the ambient environment of the smart device as sensed by a light sensor; determine that the ambient brightness level is less than a threshold brightness value; receive information from a motion sensor indicative of a user moving in the ambient environment of the smart device; and cause a light to illuminate based on all of the following conditions being present: (1) the message having been received that indicates that the lighting feature has been activated; (2) the ambient brightness level being below the threshold brightness value; and (3) the user moving in the ambient environment of the smart device.
 13. A method for outputting light using a smart device, the method comprising: receiving, via a wireless interface of a smart device, a message indicating that a lighting feature of the smart device that provides illumination based on movement and an ambient brightness level is to be activated; determining, using a light sensor, an ambient brightness level in an ambient environment of the smart device; determining that the ambient brightness level is less than a threshold brightness value; detecting, by a motion detector, a user moving in the ambient environment of the smart device; and illuminating a light of the smart device based on all of the following conditions being present: (1) the message having been received that indicates that the lighting feature has been activated; (2) the ambient brightness level being below the threshold brightness value; and (3) the user moving in the ambient environment of the smart device.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: detecting smoke using a smoke sensor of the smart device, wherein the smart device is a smoke detector.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: disabling the lighting feature when an alarm based on smoke being detected by the smoke sensor is active.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: illuminating the light of the smart device in a different color, animation pattern, or both than the lighting feature when the alarm is active.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: detecting carbon monoxide using a carbon monoxide sensor of the smart device, wherein the smart device is a carbon monoxide detector.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: disabling the lighting feature when an alarm based on carbon monoxide being detected by the carbon monoxide sensor is active.
 19. The method of claim 13, further comprises capturing one or more presence detector that captures images.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the smart device is a thermostat or a smart doorbell. 